Description

Spring floodplain inundation is important to the natural functions of the Rio Grande bosque biological community including cottonwood tree germination and recruitment. To predict floodplain inundation, a two-dimensional flood routing model FLO-2D will be applied to various reaches of the Rio Grande. FLO-2D will assess overbank flooding in terms of the area of inundation, floodplain hydraulics and river discharge timing, frequency and duration. Floodwave attenuation is important in predicting floodplain inundation. Initial FLO-2D applications will be made to the Isleta reach (15 miles) south of Albuquerque and to a 20 mile reach near the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.